2010+About+the+Author

Nancy Sturm Once again I am amazed. Every year participants come eager to learn, but a little apprehensive. I watch them gain confidence. I watch them learn new techniques for teaching writing. I watch them polish their craft of writing. From each of you I have learned, I have grown, I have polished my writing. Thank you for your friendship and all you've taught me at the summer institute.

Angela Mitchell My motivation for attending SCKWP was my desire to be able to teach writing more effectively, but I came away with so much more. Because I now possess a much better understanding of the writer within me, I have also gained inspiration on how to more effectively reach inside the minds of my students to stimulate their inner writer.Thank you not only to the instructors, Nancy and Meg, and the T.C.s, Sandy and Patrick, but also to my fellow writing institute members from whom I have learned and absorbed so much. My family’s patience and support have also been invaluable.From Kyle and Wesley’s sacrifice of my attention and their prized computer time, to my husband’s patient, listening ear and encouraging feedback as I bounced ideas off of him and read numerous rough drafts aloud, they have helped me do what needed to be done. To my extended family, without you I would not be the person I am today, and I am also grateful to you.Our shared experiences have caused me to learn and grow as an individual**,** and given me a perspective on life and an empathy for others that I might not otherwise have possessed.

Sandy Foster The South Central Kansas Writing Project is undeniably the most invaluable professional development and personal growth opportunity one may experience. Through research-based demonstrations by the teacher participants, I have accumulated a treasure trove of ideas in the teaching of writing. Equally important to teaching students how to write is recognizing just how much students learn by the mere act of writing, and thus, this month-long adventure empowers the math or science teacher as much as the English teacher; the first grade teacher has as much insight as the college professor. I thank each and every one of this year’s participants and teachers for adding jewels of the teaching trade, which will adorn my lesson plans this fall. Thank you to Nancy and Meg for encouraging me to take my personal writing to the next step. A special thanks to my husband, David, who always supports my endeavors.

Adrienne Stenholm I would like to thank my parents for their continued support of my educational process and my ability to “use my words” when the need arises. Also, a monumental thanks goes out to all the members of the 2010 SCKWP group for their friendly and encouraging advice. Nancy, Meg, and Sandy lead the way with a smile and show that a frightening concept like putting yourself on the line to show what you have written isn’t so cringe-worthy after all. I will remember this class both for the people in it and the content we discussed.

Tim Garrels I want to thank all of my fellow writers in the SCKWP! I feel like I have really grown under your tutelage, guidance and encouragement. Special thanks goes to Nancy, Meg, Sandy, Patrick and Teralyn for the leadership you provided. I especially loved the perspective on first graders Meg shared! Thanks to both Nancy and Meg for being our coaches! I also want to thank my family, who form the vast treasure chest of ideas and source material for so many of my stories and poems. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Brian, Dustin, Shawna, Nick and Brice. I even want to thank Grandma Hoops, even though she is now in heaven. Next, I want to thank my fellow Mavericks and English compatriots! You have been a consistent source of support for me and my teaching as I have adjusted to a new school setting. Thanks to Brenda, Wes, Shelly and especially Teri who made possible my participation in this project by her kind recommendation. Finally, I want to thank God for giving me the gifts and talents to write and to better myself as a teacher of writing through this experience. Thank you God for your abundant blessings!

Dorothy Christeson Thanks to My Husband Robert Christeson, my son Matthew, my sister Lesli Bird, to Dr. Carleton and Mrs. Eloise Blanton for all the guidance and support. Thanks for allowing me to devote the time and resources necessary to make this undertaking a success. I love and cherish you all dearly and I will make it up to you. Thanks to the SCWP 2010 for allowing me to participate in your sacred circle and become one of you.

Erin McClung Thanks to my fellow SCKWP leaders and fellows for reading my work, giving me encouragement, helping me with suggestions, and making me feel that I am a writer. Thank you to Nancy and Meg who helped me realize I might have a little more writing talent than I let myself believe. I’d like to thank the staff of Wichita High School South for encouraging me and supporting me to push myself and try new ideas to become a better teacher. A special thanks to Glenda Buche, my department chair, whose ongoing passion for teaching inspires me. My family continues to be the source for everything wonderful in my life. Thank you to my sisters: Shannon, Ashley, and Allison for providing support, love, and funny stories to pull from. Vic and Jan McClung inspired me to be who I am today; my parents gave me books to read, stories to write, love to support me, and experiences to share. Without you I would not be a writer, teacher, or anything else I am. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

To my Writer’s Institute compatriots, I appreciate so much your dedication and sincerity toward writing. Your generosity and support encouraged me to try things I had never done before. I honestly would not be writing without you. I would also like to thank my husband for being patient during all of the frenetic action during the month of June. AS Pameticky

Writing is at the core of who I am, and I am so grateful for this experience with the SCKWP Summer Institute. I made new friends, and made great gains with my own writing. There are many people who helped me get to this point, and I truly appreciate their support. The feedback and support from my writing friends is invaluable, and I want to thank you profusely! To all the phenomenal writers whose books I can’t get enough of, thank you!You inspire me to keep moving forward with my own writing. Thank you to the teachers who taught me to write and helped me find my voice.And finally, to God, for giving me this gift, and to my amazing family who put up with my craziness and take me as I am: my husband, Kerry, and our children Alex, Abby, Keri, and Sarah who served as inspiration in more ways than one… I love you! Thank you all for helping me believe I am writer. ~Micki Fryhover~

Life happens as fate dictates. Last summer family responsibilities prevented me from attending the SCKWP Summer Institute. This summer family and friends support has enabled me to participate in one of the best experiences I have enjoyed as an educator and writer.I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them. My family: Todd, my husband; Sarah (and her husband Nick), Jessica, and Megan, my daughters; Robby, my son; Ilyssa, John, and Devyn; my grandchildren. Friends encouraging me to apply were Anna, Darla, and Rane. My teaching will improved because of the many different teaching and writing viewpoints of the members of Summer Institute 2010. Karen Whaley

I appreciate the opportunity to offer my love and appreciation to Tyler and Ian, my amazing children, who embody my reason for living and the joy that sustains me, as well as propels my existence. You are sunshine, flowers, chocolate, and every good thing. Thank you, Ken, for years of editing my school papers. Your encouragement sparked my desire to learn to write well. To my Summer Institute friends, thank you for your kindness, support, and shared laughter. Special thanks to Meg, Nancy, Sandy, Patrick, and Teralyn for your thoughtful leadership. God bless. Rhonda Dowty

The 2010 Summer Writing Institute --what a hoot! I laughed, I cried, I learned so much. Even though I had to juggle several things in order to participate, I bonded with my fellow writers and received valuable direction and encouragement. This concept of putting thoughts into words isn't as easy as it looks, but of course, some of the best things in life require hard work and effort. And I believe the very best things are the result of collaboration. Thank you to my fellows and instructors, and thank you, Tom, for always believing in me. Many thanks to Zach, Dawn, Nathan, Emily - and the ever-young Carlene who have given me lots of fodder for my writing projects. Patrice Hein